On The Fly

Jets, Giants Training Camps A Study In Contrasts

July 30, 2012

The reigning Super Bowl champions are quietly going about their business in Albany while the national media saturates Cortland to see East Rutherford's other NFL team. Training camp has been an odd contrast for the Giants and Jets, franchises that seem to operate in different worlds. The Giants are a reflection of Tom Coughlin, the Jets take their cue from Rex Ryan. So while there seems to be little interest in what Eli Manning is doing, there's breathless coverage of Rex, Mark Sanchez and Tim Tebow. In the New York tabloid world, Manning wearing helmet and pads is overshadowed by Tebow without shirt. Here's a guess: Come playoff time, Eli and the Giants will get a lot more attention than Rex & Co.

U.S. women's soccer goalkeeper and media critic Hope Solo did not backtrack on the Twitter tirade she directed at NBC analyst Brandi Chastain. Solo, who turned 31 Monday, said she was simply expressing her opinion about the quality of analysis and elaborated on her critique. "I think analysts and commentators should bring energy and excitement and passion for the game, and a lot of knowledge, and I think it's important to help build the game," she said. "And I don't think Brandi has that." So for those waiting for a 140-character apology, forget it. … The new face of U.S. swimming is 17-year-old Missy Franklin, who won a gold medal in the 100-meter backstroke Monday night. The native of Aurora, Colo., came from behind to pass Australia's Emily Seebohm in the final 25 meters to win gold before Michael Phelps and Ryan Lochte saw the middle of the podium.

ESPN reports that Penn State running back and Norwalk native Silas Redd is "strongly leaning" toward transferring to Southern Cal. Redd was in Los Angeles, meeting with USC players over the weekend. He could announce his intentions Tuesday. Redd (1,241 yards last year) has two years of eligibility remaining and he would be joining a national title contender in L.A. … So just how do NFL players view Commissioner Roger Goodell? "Nobody trusts him," Saints quarterback Drew Brees told Peter King of Sports Illustrated. … Some comings and going in Bristol: ESPN has hired ex-coaches Seth Greenberg and Bruce Pearl as college basketball analysts just as multiple media reports say Doug Gottlieb is leaving for CBS.

Baseball's non-waiver trade deadline is 4 p.m. Tuesday, so there's a frenzy of trade talk buzzing around the game. On Monday, rumors were percolating that the Red Sox were trying to dump Josh Beckett while the Phillies were peddling Cliff Lee. Of course, both of those guys are owed big money and would likely pass through waivers in August. So don't be distressed if Beckett is still wearing a Red Sox uniform when the deadline passes Tuesday. He could still be traded in August, Red Sox fans. … And don't expect the Yankees to absorb an expensive contract. Brian Cashman told reporters Monday his team is trying to slide under the $189 million luxury tax and a significant salary is "a non-starter." Yes, even the Steinbrenners have their limit.